Healthy Homes Initiative: What You Need To Know As A Landlord

 

Quealy and Co. were recently invited to discuss the Healthy Homes Initiative with Swale Borough Council—a campaign aimed at tackling dampness and mould in rental properties. This initiative is a direct response to the increasing health risks caused by poor housing conditions, and landlords who fail to comply could face serious consequences.

Swale has been selected as a high-priority area alongside Thanet as part of the national Healthy Homes campaign. With hospital admissions for respiratory diseases rising three times faster than other conditions and the NHS spending £11 billion a year on lung-related illnesses, there is growing pressure to crack down on substandard rental properties.

This message is underscored by the recent conviction and fine of over £3,000 imposed on a landlord on London Road, Sittingbourne (not a Queally & Co client) for failing to address multiple property issues within the required timeframe.

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What Landlords Need to Know

• Stricter Enforcement: Swale’s participation in this initiative means greater scrutiny of rental properties, with landlords facing increased inspections and compliance checks.

 

• Legal & Financial Consequences: Failure to meet ventilation, insulation, and heating standards could lead to fines, legal action, and penalties for landlords.

 

• Liability for Tenant Health Issues: If a tenant develops a health condition linked to damp or poor air quality, landlords could be held legally responsible for failing to maintain a safe living environment.

 

The campaign emphasises the importance of proper ventilation, insulation, and heating to reduce hidden health risks, such as bacterial and viral infections, respiratory allergies, and other serious conditions. Landlords must ensure their properties provide a safe and habitable living environment—failure to do so will no longer be overlooked.

Queally & Co are actively working on best practices and processes that will support landlords in maintaining compliant and well-managed properties, which will be shared with Swale. Our expertise will help mitigate risks, improve property standards, and ensure landlords meet their legal obligations.

Landlords who want to understand how these changes may affect them—whether or not we currently manage their property—are encouraged to book a consultation with our Lettings team. We’re here to help you stay compliant and protected. 

Call us on 01795 429836 or email us at hello@quealy.co.uk to speak with a friendly and experienced member of our team about anything related to your rental property.